This bright open space is in the heart of Old Town Geneva and dates back to at least 1535, when a former palace was transformed into a prison during the Reformation. Currently dedicated to Théodore Agrippa d’Aubigné, the modern version of this space dates to 1940 and is dotted with trees including Japanese sophora, horse chestnut, and an Italian poplar. The site sits just below Geneva’s famous cathedral and is a great spot to enjoy the view of Old Town’s rooftops, or perhaps a picnic at one of a few tables.
The park is also home to “Mosaïque des personnalités de l’eau,” a triptych of large mosaic artworks by Marcel Poncet, meant to personify the Arve and Rhône rivers that join in Geneva, as gods, next to their imagined father Neptune. Poncet won the opportunity to create artwork in the space in a contest sponsored by the State of Geneva in 1947. He died soon after completing the third mosaic and never saw it installed, having designed it in his workshop in Vich.
At the base of the terraces is a former air raid shelter dating from 1939, currently occupied by L’Abri – Geneva, which, according to their website, “is a cultural venue whose mission is to support and promote emerging artists.” The shelter entrance is capped by unique art reflecting its wartime history.